Gov. Rod Blagojevich announced Monday the dates for the special election to replace Dennis Hastert. The special primary will be held on Feb. 5, the same date as the previously scheduled primary, and the special general is set for March 8.

Hastert resigned last Monday after serving nearly 21 years in the U.S. House of Representatives, triggering a special election. Under state law, Blagojevich had until today to issue his writ scheduling that election. Hastert, in his resignation letter, said that he picked the date of his exit to allow time for a special primary on Feb. 5, and suggested that date to the governor.

There will be two distinct primaries on Feb. 5. The winners of the special primary will go on to the special general election on March 8, vying to fill the remainder of Hastert’s term in office, which expires in January of 2009.

The winners of the regular primary, however, will go on to the general election on Nov. 4. The winner of that election will succeed Hastert for the next two years, beginning in January of 2009.

Blagojevich sent letters to all eight counties – Kane, Kendall, DuPage, Henry, Bureau, Whiteside, Lee and DeKalb – in the 14th District Monday. The total cost of a special election on Feb. 5 has been estimated at more than $1 million.